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Sunday, July 7, 2013

iPads in the Classroom Resources

Greetings-

Thanks for following along so far in the App-a-Day series, as part of this series, I wanted to share some resources with you that will assist with the overall implementation of iPads in the classroom- be it a single iPad or an entire lab.

So, without further ado, a few amazing resources to check out:

If you are not on Scoop.it! yet, it's worth creating an account just to check it out. Basically, Scoop.it! is a curation site that allows you to choose five different topics to monitor and "scoop." You can enter in keywords and phrases and Scoop.it's search engine will do the dirty work of scouring the web for you. The best part? This is ongoing... so you may not really find anything of value today, but it's all going to be searched again tomorrow.

It's a great way to stay on top of current trends and new information- especially since the world of educational technology moves so quickly! In addition to creating your own collections or topics, you can also follow others. As we all know from Pinterest and Twitter, the power of social curation is all in who you follow.

So, as it relates to iPads in the classroom, apps, and tips- check out these great boards to get started!

If you've been reading edtech or just educational topics online for any length of time, you're likely to have come across Kathy Schrock. If you haven't, you're welcome. I've been following her work since her rubrics/assessment related website many years ago. She's amazing... definitely on my list of people that I'd love to have coffee with. When you see her website, you'll understand why.

I am posting a direct link to her iPads in the classroom site, but definitely take a few days minutes to check out her other stuff. You will not be disappointed- but you'll likely be overwhelmed ;)

Finally, I received a couple of sweet emails this week (Thanks!) and a few people asked the same question.

"What is the easiest way to get pictures from one iPad to another?"

Personally, I use a third-party app for this called Bump.

Bump is an app that you must download- stat- that allows you to share information from one device to another simply by touching or "bumping" the devices. You can share between mobile devices and now, even between your mobile device and computer. You can share contacts, files, videos, or photos.

Another similar app that I have used pretty successfully is Chirp. Unlike Bump, Chirp uses sound to transmit the information between the two devices. Personally, I don't use it quite as frequently as Bump as I don't feel like the sharing features are quite as robust (yet) but, you have to admit, the concept is VERY cool!

So, if you are planning on having your students take pictures of an event and you want them to share the photos to create a project like a class book in Book Creator or a Little Bird Tale, simply share the photos via Bump or Chirp and all of your students can access the same book of photos!

Thanks for stopping by! You'll have to chime in with any great apps that you've been using as we go along. I would love to try some new ones. I would love teaching in a one-to-one... someday ;)

Edmodo is great! I am moving to third grade next year and I am debating using it in my classroom. I love it, but I am still up in the air if it's something that I'll use enough to warrant the time spent introducing it.

Last year I got to head up our school's 1:1 iPad pilot program in 5th grade. This year, our entire school will be 1:1 (PreK-8) with grades 3-8 being able to take them home. I'm excited (and totally freaking out!) to be heading up this huge project as well as continuing to teach 5th grade. I'm glad I came across your blog and look forward to reading and networking with you more.